Sandé shines among stars at Brit Awards

Scottish singer Emeli Sandé can expect a big increase in her album sales following her triumph last night at the Brit Awards. The annual music business event – held at London’s 02 Arena – saw Sandé win the big award of the night, that of best British album. She also won the Best Solo Female category.

It was little surprise as Sandé’s album, Our Version Of Events, was the biggest selling album in the UK in 2012 and she also had high-profile appearances at the opening and closing ceremonies of the London Olympics. Last year’s big winner, Adele, carried off the award for Best British single with her James Bond theme song Skyfall.

The singer was in Los Angeles preparing for an appearance at the Oscars this Sunday but sent a taped message of thanks.

Breakthrough

Singer-songwriter Ben Howard (a relative newcomer) surprised many by winning both the Best Breakthrough award and the Best British male award.

Folk-rockers Mumford and Sons won the Best British group award despite the fact that many thought the nod would go to the boyband sales sensation One Direction.

In the award for Best Live Act, Coldplay beat off strong competition from The Rolling Stones. A new prize at the Brits – the Global Success Award – which recognises significant foreign sales was a very tight-run affair with Adele, Mumford and Sons and One Direction all having a strong case but to the delight of many of the younger members of the audience at the 02 the award went to One Direction.

It was a remarkably controversy-free award ceremony, somewhat lacking in fireworks. Going out live on the ITV channel, neo prog-rockers Muse opened the show and there were further live appearances from Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift and Emeli Sandé.

One roar

The biggest roar of the night (once again) was reserved for One Direction performing this year’s Comic Relief single – their version of Blondie’s One Way Or Another mixed in with Teenage Kicks by the Undertones.

The award itself was designed this year by famed artist Damien Hirst. And there was no Grammy style censorship of clothing.

Earlier this month the broadcasters of the Grammy event has asked performers to “avoid sheer, see-through clothes” and cover up “breast and buttock areas”.

But Brits chairman David Joseph had encouraged all performers to be “as free as they want in terms of fashion”.

The Brits winners

British female solo artist best album: Emeli Sandé

British male solo artist breakthrough act: Ben Howard

British group: Mumford & Sons

Live act: Coldplay

British single: Adele, Skyfall

International female solo artist: Lana Del Rey

International group: Black Keys

International male solo artist: Frank Ocean